Delivery of active agents using a chocolate vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides edible compositions comprising pharmaceutically or nutraceutically active agents in particulate form homogeneously dispersed in a fat matrix, such as chocolate or chocolate compound coating.

1. A chocolate compound coating composition, said composition comprising at least about 10% by weight calcium carbonate powder having a median particle size between about 10 μm and about 13 μm homogeneously dispersed throughout said chocolate compound coating, said chocolate compound coating comprising a fat matrix comprising at least about 20% by weight cocoa butter and at least about 20% by weight vegetable fat based on the total weight of fat, said fat matrix having a melting point between about 30° C. and about 49° C., wherein said chocolate coating composition has a taste and texture identical to unfortified chocolate compound coating and has an apparent viscosity in the molten state within about ±50% of the apparent viscosity of the identical chocolate compound coating in the absence of the calcium carbonate powder, as measured under conditions of identical temperature and shear. 
     
     
       2. A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the calcium carbonate comprises at least about 20% by weight of the composition. 
     
     
       3. A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the calcium carbonate comprises at least about 25% by weight of the composition. 
     
     
       4. A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the calcium carbonate comprises at least about 30% by weight of the composition. 
     
     
       5. A composition according to  claim 1  having an apparent viscosity in the molten state within about ±25% of the apparent viscosity of the identical chocolate compound coating in the absence of the calcium carbonate powder, as measured under conditions of identical temperature and shear. 
     
     
       6. A composition according to  claim 1  having an apparent viscosity in the molten state within about ±10% of the apparent viscosity of the identical chocolate compound coating in the absence of the calcium carbonate powder, as measured under conditions of identical temperature and shear. 
     
     
       7. A composition according to  claim 1  having an apparent viscosity in the molten state within about ±5% of the apparent viscosity of the identical chocolate compound coating in the absence of the calcium carbonate powder, as measured under conditions of identical temperature and shear. 
     
     
       8. The composition of  claim 1  further comprising Vitamin D. 
     
     
       9. A composition according to  claim 8 , wherein said Vitamin D is egocalciferol. 
     
     
       10. A composition according to  claim 8 , wherein said Vitamin D is Vitamin D3. 
     
     
       11. The composition of  claim 8  further comprising Vitamin K. 
     
     
       12. A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said chocolate coating comprises milk fat. 
     
     
       13. A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said cocoa butter is in the Form V polymorphic crystalline form at room temperature.